BKD names next CEO

Springfield-based certified public accounting firm BKD LLP has selected its managing partner of the east region as the company's next CEO.

Ted Dickman, who has served four years as regional managing partner coordinating operations in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, takes the firm's top post June 1, according to a news release.

“I’m both humbled and excited to be chosen to continue leading our firm forward into a dynamically changing world,” Dickman said in the release. “I hope to build upon the initiatives and industry leadership the firm has developed while also finding additional opportunities for growth.”

Dickman was recommended for the position by the firm's governing board, and the selection was ratified by the firm's 250 partners, according to the release.

Dickman succeeds Neal Spencer, who announced his resignation in February. Spencer has said that after he steps down as CEO June 1, he'll stay on with BKD to assist the firm in evaluating existing growth and pursuing new ventures.

"Ted is totally committed to growth, and he has the integrity, experience and history with our firm to lead BKD into the future," Spencer said in the release.

As CEO, Dickman will be tasked with managing nearly 2,000 employees serving clients in 50 states and internationally.

He entered public accounting in 1983 serving as a tax professional in BKD's Indianapolis office, and he was elected partner in 1991, according to the release.

BKD has been listed as the 10th largest accounting firm by the Inside Public Accounting newsletter since 2005. The report ranks the list based on net revenue growth, number of offices and other criteria. BKD's fiscal 2011 net revenue was approximately $390.68 million, a 0.8 percent increase from 2010, according to the latest report.